Monthly Archives: September 2014

It was 2009 in Louisville, KY when I first met Theo. He approached me at the first annual International Youth Conditioning Summit (IYCA) and said something to the effect of ” there’s something different about you” and I felt the same way about him. He asked if we could talk at some point during the conference. And we did.

He was a young coach at the time. Just getting started. He was carrying a lot of weight, but he “managed” it well. Like so many of us do. So many decisions to make. A young family, a crazy schedule and money was tight. He was starting to question his calling, his craft, his place in the industry. He was starting to question his voice as a coach and as a business, his message, his programs, his reason for doing it. And the weight was real. I felt it.

But I also felt his desire to do something special. To be more than the circumstances, to want to overcome all that. To rise, not fall away. The proof of that desire was inherent in the truth he shared and in his asking for help.

Fast forward 5 years. Two beautiful children, an amazing facility, a community coming together for inspired action. A voice that speaks loud and clear. Lives changed. Tears shed (many of my own at his facility, in his home, and from afar), a growing sense of purpose. The weight is still there. But it’s different. He carries it differently. It’s not about him. But it had to start with him. It’s not about us, but it has to start with us.

His story is incredible. From his marriage, to his facility, to how his business has evolved. You’ve been where he’s been. In the past, now or maybe in days to come…but you can go where he and his family are going…a place you deserve to be…

It’s time to rise up…and sometimes it takes being down for a moment to do it well. It’s ok…we got you!

David Jack

Coach Theo

Coach Paul Theo is the owner of FMU Fitness, a Christian-based youth fitness and adult training company in Cleveland, Oh. An ex-division one college wrestler and now fitness coach, motivational speaker, and author, he works with hundreds of kids and adults each week through is group training programs and community events. His reach extends far beyond his gym walls as he runs multiple school obstacle races and local charity events throughout the year. He resides with his beautiful wife Amber, and 4yr old son Giovanni and 10 month old Alana.

IYCA YFS 1, YSAS, YAAS, YHSSCC

Voted Cleveland’s Best of the West Trainer

Featured as a Top 5 Finalist in Men’s Health Next Top Trainer Challenge

Pull-up world record attempt raised $39,000 for Cystic Fibrosis

For more information about Theo and his mission visit www.fitmeupfitness.com